Severe Thunderstorms and Flash Flooding Prompt Warnings Across New Mexico, Wisconsin and Kentucky

The National Weather Service has issued multiple severe thunderstorm warnings and flash flood warnings across parts of New Mexico, Wisconsin and Kentucky on Thursday evening as heavy rain and strong storms continue to impact those areas.

Active Flash Flood Warnings in New Mexico

A Flash Flood Warning remains in effect for west central Otero County in south central New Mexico until 8:15 PM MDT after 1.5 to 2 inches of rain fell from thunderstorms. [2] At 5:50 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. [2] Between 1.5 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. [2] Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. [2] The hazard is flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. [2] The source of the information is radar. [2] The impact includes flash flooding of small creeks. [2]

A separate flood warning cancellation was issued for Guadalupe County, New Mexico. [1] The heavy rain has ended. [1] Flood waters have receded. [1] Flash flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat. [1] Residents should continue to heed any remaining road closures. [1]

Severe Thunderstorms Strike Wisconsin

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is active for southwestern Douglas County and northwestern Washburn County in northwestern Wisconsin until 7:30 PM CDT. [3] At 6:49 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 9 miles northeast of Dairyland, or 27 miles south of Superior, moving southeast at 25 mph. [3] The hazard includes 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. [3] The source of the information is radar indicated. [3] The impact includes hail damage to vehicles. [3]

Another Severe Thunderstorm Warning covers areas near Copper Falls State Park in Wisconsin. [5] At 6:45 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Copper Falls State Park, or 21 miles west of Ironwood, moving southeast at 30 mph. [5] The hazard includes 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. [5] The source of the information is radar indicated. [5] The impact includes hail damage to vehicles expected along with wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. [5] Locations impacted include Hurley, Mellen, Saxon, Gurney, Upson, Copper Falls State Park, Montreal, Kimball, Morse, Pence, Cedar, High Bridge, Iron Belt, Birch Hill, and Bad River Reserv. [5]

Kentucky Under Severe Thunderstorm Warning

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning covers Henry County, Kentucky. [4] At 7:48 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 8 miles southwest of New Castle, moving east at 20 mph. [4] The hazard includes 60 mph wind gusts. [4] The source of the information is radar indicated. [4] The impact includes expected damage to roofs, siding, and trees. [4] Locations impacted include Eminence, Smithfield, Chestnut Grove, and Ballardsville. [4]

Impacts and Safety Guidance

Flash flooding of small creeks is an expected impact from the thunderstorms in Otero County. [2] Hail damage to vehicles is expected from the severe thunderstorm in southwestern Douglas County and northwestern Washburn County. [3] Wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees is expected from the severe thunderstorm near Copper Falls State Park. [5] Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees from the severe thunderstorm in Henry County. [4] Hail damage to vehicles is expected from the severe thunderstorm near Copper Falls State Park. [5] Residents in the warned areas should continue to heed any remaining road closures where flood waters have receded. [1]

Broader Severe Weather Context

These warnings represent active severe weather across multiple states in the U.S. on Thursday evening as reported by local National Weather Service offices. [2] The National Weather Service in El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa has issued a Flash Flood Warning. [2] The National Weather Service in Duluth MN has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning. [3] Warnings detail radar-indicated hazards including 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail moving through Wisconsin counties. [3] [5] A separate warning notes radar-indicated 60 mph wind gusts moving east through Kentucky communities. [4]

What to watch next: Continued movement of the severe thunderstorm located near Copper Falls State Park southeast at 30 mph and the storm in Henry County moving east at 20 mph, along with any updates to the Flash Flood Warning in Otero County until 8:15 PM MDT.